Image Moves On Screen Patents (Class 353/46)
  • Patent number: 7862185
    Abstract: A casing 20 of a mobile phone body is provided with a sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23, a projector lens 26, a light source 35 including an LED. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the projector lens 26 are movable between a normal position contained within the casing 20 and a raised position raised from the normal position. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 is fixed at the raised position roughly perpendicularly to the light axis Q between the-sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the light source 35 so that the light axis of the projector lens 26 is substantially aligned with the light axis Q. The illumination light from the light source is set to be parallel rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koya Noba
  • Patent number: 7857458
    Abstract: An image display device is disclosed that has a simplified structure and is able to display a high quality image of high resolution at low cost. The image display device includes a light separation unit configured to extract a light beam having a predetermined wavelength band from light emitted from a light source; a light valve that controls a light beam incident thereon to form a plurality of sub frames of a target image; and a light path shift unit operable to shift a light path of an output light beam from the light valve having the predetermined wavelength band according to a frame period of the target image to locate one or more sub frame of the target image at different positions from other sub frames of the target image formed by the light valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujita, Atsushi Takaura, Yasuyuki Takiguchi, Toshiaki Tokita, Toshiharu Murai, Hiroyuki Sugimoto, Kazuya Miyagaki, Takanobu Osaka
  • Patent number: 7810932
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device adapting a resolution improvement device capable of effectively improving a resolution in a projecting display device and a method thereof. A display device according to the present invention comprises: a light source; an image forming means for forming an image using a light emitted from the light source and an input image signal; a projection means for projecting an image formed in the image forming means on a screen; a displacement means for displacing an image displayed on the screen to be displaced; a driving means for driving the displacement to be moved; and an input signal applying means for applying an input signal to the driving means for the displacement means to be rotated in a predetermined direction. According to the present invention, different images are displayed on a screen periodically. It seems that the greater number of pixels is used than the real number in a sense of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Nyol Hong, Gi Tak Yun, Hee Sool Koo, Sang Hoon Hahn, In Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 7796140
    Abstract: A projection system includes: an information processing apparatus that carries out image processing on an image of an image source; a projector that projects an image based on an image data signal outputted from the information processing apparatus; and a signal transmission unit that carries signals between the information processing apparatus and the projector. The information processing apparatus compares latest image data with preceding image data, and detects, as a modified part, part of the latest image data that is modified from the preceding image data and generates modified-image data of the modified part by adding color-tone data to each pixel in the modified part. The projector generates a new current-image frame based on the modified-image data from the information processing apparatus. The modified part is detected with an accuracy of not more than the amount of information indicating the color tone of each pixel of the image source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiki Fujimori
  • Patent number: 7753531
    Abstract: An image display apparatus acquires a high-quality image by suppressing positional fluctuation of projected dots due to a positional offset of an optical path deflecting element. A spatial light modulation element (1) displays an image by projecting a light from an illumination light source. A projection optical system (3) enlarges and projects the image formed on the spatial light modulation element (1). An optical path deflecting element (2) is provided between the spatial light modulation element (1) and the image formed on a screen (4) so as to deflect an optical path in accordance with a screen frame period. The optical path deflecting element (2) shifts the optical path for the image projected on the screen (4) at a high rate so as to apparently increase a number of picture elements. The optical path deflecting element (2) is located within the projection optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujita, Takanobu Osaka, Kazuya Miyagaki, Atsushi Takaura, Masanori Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sugimoto, Kenji Namie, Yumi Matsuki, Toshiaki Tokita
  • Patent number: 7692604
    Abstract: Modulated light (image light) which has been modulated by passing through a liquid crystal display panel passes through an apical angle variable prism (so-called, a vari-angle prism) and then is enlarged and projected by a projection lens. The apical angle variable prism is configured to change the prism apical angle with, for example, an electromagnetic actuator. The microcomputer calculates a projection optical axis correction value based on hand shake detection signals from a sensor and controls the aforementioned actuator based on the correction value. With this control, shakes of projected images due to hand shakes are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yokote, Shouichi Yoshii, Hideyuki Kanayama, Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7670009
    Abstract: In a projection-type image display apparatus, comprising an enlarged projection optical unit, which is configured to project the lights from the light source unit onto the display portion, enlargedly, the enlarged projection optical unit, further comprises: a projection lens for projecting the image on the image display element, enlargedly, and a reflection mirror having a reflection surface made up with a freely curved surface, and the image display element has a display surface larger than the display portion, when a whole body thereof is projected on the display portion, through the enlarged projection optical unit, to be displayed by projection thereof, and the image on the display surface of the image display element is movable, within the display surface of the image display element, so as to project a portion fitting to the display portion, selectively, to be displayed, when projecting it through the enlarged projection optical unit upon the display portion, to be displayed, thereby enabling an install
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hirata, Masahiko Yatsu
  • Publication number: 20090279053
    Abstract: A method for continuously projecting images by enabling an apparatus including a light source, an image creation unit, and a projection unit includes receiving video signals from a predetermined source; creating a plurality of images from the video signals while being impinged by light emitted by the light source; receiving the images from the image creation unit; and activating the projection unit to project the images on a projection screen in a predetermined rapid succession so as to create a motion picture effect. As such, lighting adjustment and natural beauty simulations in a vivid way can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Ching-cherng SUN, Hsin-Ying Ho, Chang-yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 7600874
    Abstract: A display system includes a mechanism to provide for simultaneous pixelated color with a spatial light modulator. Also included is a mechanism to project the simultaneous pixelated color to create a color field display on a viewing surface. A further mechanism moves the color field display relative to viewing surface to provide at least one of color and resolution increasing wobulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Winthrop D. Childers, David C Collins, William J. Allen
  • Patent number: 7524068
    Abstract: A projection optical system that performs enlargement projection of an image on a display device surface formed of a plurality of pixels onto a screen surface, in which pixel shift by less than a pixel pitch is performed on the screen surface in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, an oblique direction, or a vertical and horizontal directions, and in which conditional formulae (1) and (2) below are fulfilled over the entire image range: (1)|?RG|?0.5 d and (2)|?BG|?0.5 d, where d represents the amount of pixel shift (>0), ?RG represents lateral chromatic aberration in the direction of pixel shift of colored light R having a wavelength of 640 nm with respect to colored light G having a wavelength of 546 nm, and ?BG represents lateral chromatic aberration in the direction of pixel shift of colored light B having a wavelength of 450 nm with respect to the colored light G having a wavelength of 546 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Kohtaro Hayashi, Masayuki Imaoka, Yuichi Atarashi, Hiroshi Kibayashi
  • Patent number: 7513627
    Abstract: A projection system includes a vibration controlling structure. The projection system includes an imaging unit mounted to a movable platform via a partially compliant mount structure, such that the imaging unit is partially isolated from the platform while projecting an image which is stable with respect to the platform. The imaging unit and partially compliant mounting structures are constructed and arranged to damp vibrational forces on the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent D. Larson, Matthew B. Dubin
  • Patent number: 7497578
    Abstract: Crosstalk between a drive coil and a primary feedback coil is eliminated by positioning a secondary feedback coil in proximity with the drive coil for contamination by the crosstalk to the same extent as the primary feedback coil, and by processing feedback signals generated by the feedback coils to cancel the crosstalk. The drive coil is used to oscillate a scan mirror employed in an image projection arrangement or an electro-optical reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick F. Wood
  • Patent number: 7458692
    Abstract: A projector apparatus, comprising a light converging unit (14) for converging image light for formation of a predetermined image; a lens unit (4) for passing through the image light from the light converging unit (14) so that an image of a predetermined magnification is displayed on a screen; a moving unit (5) for changing a relative distance between the light converging unit (14) and the lens unit (4) to adjust a position of the image displayed on the screen by the lens unit (4); and a control unit (6) for determining whether or not the relative distance changed by the moving unit exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: D & M Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Nagatsuka, Nobutomo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7425074
    Abstract: A concept of improving a resolution by using human's visual characteristics is provided. A display device includes an image forming unit forming an image by using an emitted light and an inputted image signal, a projection unit projecting the image formed by the image forming unit onto a screen, and a movable displacement plate displacing the image displayed on the screen. As a result, a viewer can view the image at an improved resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ho Joong Kang, Hee Jong Moon
  • Patent number: 7367510
    Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yajun Li, Paul Dvorkis, Dmitriy Yavid, Frederick F. Wood, Miklos Stern, Edward Barkan, Narayan Nambudri
  • Publication number: 20080074565
    Abstract: A projector screen that is used together with a projector for protecting a moving image being a result of scanning output of a video signal, and displays the moving image by a projection light reaching thereto after being emitted when the projector projects the moving image, the projector screen includes: a screen member that configures a partition screen area being a part of a screen area of displaying the moving image partitioned to a plurality of rows, and is capable of mode change between a first mode of delivering the projection light having reached the partition screen area to a side of a viewer, and a second mode of not delivering the projection light having reached the partition screen area to the viewer; and mode changing means for moving, for the screen member of each of the rows of the screen area, by exercising control over each of the screen members in terms of mode change between the first and second modes, any of the partition screen areas put in the second mode in the screen area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Sagawa
  • Publication number: 20070296923
    Abstract: A projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprises a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Alan Lee
  • Patent number: 7303289
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus includes a projection portion for projecting an image onto a surface to be projected, a light receiving portion disposed apart from the projection portion by a base line length and used for detecting a reference image projected onto the surface to be projected, and a scanning portion for scanning the reference image on the surface to be projected in a direction of the base line length, in which the projection portion is focused based on information about a scanning position of the reference image upon predetermined detection with the light receiving portion. With the projection type display apparatus, a system can be configured with a simple processing circuit, and cost reduction can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7301691
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for generating images. There is provided a method comprising directing light through a projecting lens (28) at a first pixel position (60a) on a screen (32), and shifting the projecting lens (28) such that the light is directed on at a second pixel position (66) on the screen (32), wherein the second pixel position (66) is diagonally offset from the first pixel position (60a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: TTE Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Murphy O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7284866
    Abstract: A handheld projecting device is adapted to project an image and a pointer pattern on an external surface. The projecting device comprises a sensor to detect the movements of the projecting device and means to dampen the movements of the projected image, based on the detected movements of the projecting device. When the handheld projecting device is turned, the position of the projected image is kept substantially stationary whereas the pointer pattern moves on the projected image to indicate a point of the projected image. In an embodiment, the pointer pattern may be used to make a selection between graphically displayed options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Buchmann
  • Patent number: 7184209
    Abstract: Images are projected onto a projection medium including a screen, which forms an open, light-penetrable structure having a plurality of light-reflecting surface parts. The projection medium may include a screen that is perforated or net-like, such as tulle or bridal veil, or that includes transparent and opaque or light-reflecting areas. The projection screen may be positioned within a shop or another room having a show window or display window spaced from the screen. A control device, such as a touch screen, for controlling the operation of the projector, may be positioned so as to be accessible to a viewer outside the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Vizoo Invest ApS
    Inventors: Peter Allan Simonsen, Morten Corell
  • Patent number: 7090358
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method of displaying information for foveal vision and peripheral vision are provided. The system, apparatus and method generate a composite display image fully viewable with foveal vision and peripheral vision. The system, apparatus and method detect, either through gesture or speech recognition, an area on the composite display image a user is focusing on with foveal vision and display the area in a resolution higher than the resolution in which the rest of the composite display image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Feigel, Rick Kjeldsen, Bruce Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 7052142
    Abstract: A light projecting device including an image resolution enhancing mechanism that spatially offsets at least one pixel between an original pixel position and an offset pixel position. The image resolution enhancing mechanism includes a dual mirror mechanism to provide the spatial offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Anurag Gupta
  • Patent number: 7036938
    Abstract: The projection display includes a light projector unit for generating and projecting light, an oscillator unit for oscillating light projected from the light projector unit, and a frequency generation and modulation unit. The frequency generation and modulation unit drives the oscillator unit and modulates the light projected by the light projector unit. In turn, the oscillator unit oscillates the light projected by the light projector unit in two dimensions, so that the projected light scans an incident surface in a raster pattern. At the same time, the frequency generation and modulation unit modulates the light produced by the light projector unit in synchronization with the scanning process and image data supplied so that the projected light produces images corresponding to the image data over a scanned area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Chunhui Zhang
  • Patent number: 7025461
    Abstract: A display system includes a waveguide optical panel having an inlet face and an opposite outlet face. A projector cooperates with a digital imaging device, e.g. a digital micromirror imaging device, for projecting an image through the panel for display on the outlet face. The imaging device includes an array of mirrors tiltable between opposite display and divert positions. The display positions reflect an image light beam from the projector through the panel for display on the outlet face. The divert positions divert the image light beam away from the panel, and are additionally used for reflecting a probe light beam through the panel toward the outlet face. Covering a spot on the panel, e.g. with a finger, reflects the probe light beam back through the panel toward the inlet face for detection thereat and providing interactive capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates
    Inventors: James T. Veligdan, Leonard DeSanto, Lisa Kaull, legal representative, Calvin Brewster, deceased
  • Patent number: 6971748
    Abstract: A high-resolution display displaying an image on a screen includes an illumination optical system, an image optical system, a pixel moving optical system, and a projection optical system. The illumination optical system includes a light source emitting a light. The image optical system includes an image forming device modulating an incident light to form the image. The pixel moving optical system includes a prism array deflecting the light from the image optical system to move pixels of the image to increase a number of pixels. The projection optical system includes a projection lens projecting the deflected light by the pixel moving optical system onto the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-ho Cho, Dae-sik Kim, Sung-ha Kim, Hee-joong Lee, Tae hee Kim
  • Patent number: 6964483
    Abstract: The projection display includes a light projector unit for generating and projecting light, an oscillator unit for oscillating light projected from the light projector unit, and a frequency generation and modulation unit. The frequency generation and modulation unit drives the oscillator unit and modulates the light projected by the light projector unit. In turn, the oscillator unit oscillates the light projected by the light projector unit in two dimensions, so that the projected light scans an incident surface in a raster pattern. At the same time, the frequency generation and modulation unit modulates the light produced by the light projector unit in synchronization with the scanning process and image data supplied so that the projected light produces images corresponding to the image data over a scanned area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Chunhui Zhang
  • Patent number: 6843568
    Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that the previous column and row representation in the scanning image projection has to be given up, in order to enable that the ratio between row and column frequency or vertical and horizontal deflection frequency is not critical and may be decreased. An inventive projection apparatus for projecting an image on an image field includes a deflection means for deflecting a light beam about a first deflection axis at a first deflection frequency and about a second deflection axis at a second deflection frequency different from the first, in order to move the light beam across the image field, as well as a modulation means for modulating an intensity of the light beam depending on the image to be projected. The first and second deflection frequencies differ by less than an order of magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gessellschaft
    Inventors: Harald Schenk, Alexander Wolter, Markus Schwarzenberg
  • Patent number: 6715884
    Abstract: A visible light modifier and method provide a new visual display. A projection is generated by the visible light modifier that includes a monochromatic or chromatically separated light beam having variations generating a stunning visual display. The display may be used in advertising, entertainment, psychotherapy and anywhere that attention-getting or mood-altering visual displays are desired. The visible light modifier includes a fluid refractive medium within a container and a a mirror positioned within the fluid refracting medium at a predetermined angle so that for multi-chromatic sources an angular chromatic separation is achieved in a beam reflected from the reflective surface through the refractive medium, or for monochromatic sources, a projected beam having a shape variance is achieved. Motion of the fluid generates variations in the shape and/or chromatic distribution within the reflected beam, which can be projected on a screen or other suitable background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Barnhurst
  • Patent number: 6665048
    Abstract: A continuously moving object is imaged by a video projector producing a rapid sequence of stationary images. A galvanometer actuated mirror tracks the motion of the moving object and synchronizes it to the sequence of stationary images in order to avoid motion caused blurring of the images. The moving object is flat or is wrapped around a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Creo Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Gelbart
  • Patent number: 6657603
    Abstract: High resolution projected digital images are produced by projecting in quick succession slightly different and slightly displaced low resolution images which are digitally derived from an image having several times more pixels than any single image the projector can project. The result is that the viewer perceives a single image with substantially higher resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: LaserGraphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihai C. Demetrescu, Stefan G. Demetrescu
  • Patent number: 6644816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for displaying visual information, comprising: at least one image-forming element; at least one light source for generating a light beam, which in cooperation with the image-forming element produces an illuminated image; optical means for processing the light beam and/or illuminated image; and a projection surface for receiving the illuminated image, wherein the image-forming element is flat and the projection surface forms at least a part of a cylinder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Evolution Technology N.V.
    Inventors: Antonio Guiseppe Perra, Johannes Quant
  • Publication number: 20030197835
    Abstract: A continuously moving object is imaged by a video projector producing a rapid sequence of stationary images. A galvanometer actuated mirror tracks the motion of the moving object and synchronizes it to the sequence of stationary images in order to avoid motion caused blurring of the images. The moving object is flat or is wrapped around a cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Gelbart
  • Patent number: 6578969
    Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for cutting off intensive radiation in projectors and/or illumination devices whose projection head, which projects the light, is mounted in a receptacle or holder rotatable about an azimuth axis so as to be swivelable about an additional axis arranged vertical to the azimuth axis. It comprises a cutoff mechanism which comprises a coupling member, and light-absorbing means or cutoff means, which is fixedly connected with the receptacle and which is rotatable jointly with the latter and with the projection head about the azimuth axis, wherein the light-absorbing or cutoff means are positioned in the cutoff position in front of the light outlet opening of the projection head or of an objective or in an intermediate image plane located within the projection head. The arrangement is suitable for application particularly with projection of image contents on plane, arched, or curved projection surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Hagen Hinsching, Ralf Hasse, Rolf Roeder
  • Publication number: 20030081183
    Abstract: A visible light modifier and method provide a new visual display. A projection is generated by the visible light modifier that includes a monochromatic or chromatically separated light beam having variations generating a stunning visual display. The display may be used in advertising, entertainment, psychotherapy and anywhere that attention-getting or mood-altering visual displays are desired. The visible light modifier includes a fluid refractive medium within a container and a a mirror positioned within the fluid refracting medium at a predetermined angle so that for multi-chromatic sources an angular chromatic separation is achieved in a beam reflected from the reflective surface through the refractive medium, or for monochromatic sources, a projected beam having a shape variance is achieved. Motion of the fluid generates variations in the shape and/or chromatic distribution within the reflected beam, which can be projected on a screen or other suitable background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Barnhurst
  • Publication number: 20030058413
    Abstract: A visible light modifier and method provide a new visual display. A projection is generated by the visible light modifier that includes a chromatically separated light beam having variations generating a stunning visual display. The display may be used in advertising, entertainment, psychotherapy and anywhere that attention-getting or mood-altering visual displays are desired. The visible light modifier includes a fluid refractive medium bounded by a reflective surface so that an angular chromatic separation is achieved in a beam reflected from the reflective surface through the refractive medium. Motion of the fluid generates variations in the chromatic distribution within of the reflected beam, which can be projected on a screen or other suitable background. Motion of the fluid may be induced externally, for example, by placing the visible light modifier on an audio speaker, or an internal transducer may be included that may be coupled to an audio source or another source of stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Barnhurst
  • Publication number: 20020135739
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides an enhanced event-based theater going experience. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention enables pre-recorded videos of live performances, such as concerts, to be reproduced with great realism and encourages theater attendees to act or feel more as participants and less as passive viewers. The theater optionally comprises a projection screen, a projection room, seating, a dance area, an MC (master of ceremonies) station, changeable scenic designs, special effects equipment, food services and/or a bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Standard, Carl McMillan, Gregg Whitaker, Lou Weiss, Jeff Long, Russ Standard, Lee Standard
  • Patent number: 6426781
    Abstract: A laser video projector for modulating light from a laser light source by an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) according to a video signal and projecting video information to a screen using a scanner is provided. The laser video projector includes a light source for outputting a beam of white light formed of first, second, and third main wavelengths, a light separator for separating the beam of the white light into beams of monochromatic lights having first, second, and third main wavelengths in a predetermined transmission factor and a predetermined reflectivity, light modulator for modulating the beams of the monochromatic lights according to a chrominance signal, light combiner for combining the monochromatic lights modulated by the light modulator into a beam, and light scanner for scanning the combined beam of the modulated monochromatic lights, thus forming an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-ho Lee
  • Patent number: 6416183
    Abstract: The present invention to provides a projection system for three-dimensional movement of projected modulated beam. It comprises a stationary light source, a projection lens, an optical path from the light source to the projection lens and a light beam modulating element in the optical path. The light modulating element moves with the projection lens. The image is generated at a location whereafter the modulated beam is not deflected anymore before arriving at the projection lens. Therefore there is no rotation of the modulated light beam around its own optical axis, independent of the direction of projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Barco N.V.
    Inventors: Chris Colpaert, Stefan Lesschaeve
  • Patent number: 6219306
    Abstract: A device for projecting spectral display onto a viewing surface, having numerous light projecting segments attached to rotating hollow shafts, mounted and rotating upon each other on coaxial based shaft. The projecting segments include a light emitting source to produce light rays, a light convergent member such as lens and a diffraction member such as prism or diffraction gratings, for effecting spectral dispersion of the light rays for projecting same onto viewing surface to create the spectral display in a motion or a dynamic spectral display. The rotating hollow shafts provide built-in electrical wiring tracks and a connection to energize the light source, and they also provide mechanical connection through geared wheel to receive power to effect the rotating motion. The projecting segments with their respective rotating shafts are accommodated inside a casing or a housing of the device, which can be individual or portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 6142653
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system that produces patterns or images from a light beam by a series of reflections off of multiple mirrors, these mirrors rotated by motors. The mirrors are positioned with respect to each other and offset at a predetermined angle from a plane perpendicular with respect to the transverse vertical plane extending axially through the respective motors. This positioning creates a path of travel for the light beam that crosses over on itself at least once, allowing for the maximum number of patterns to be produced from a maximum number of mirrors, that are all preferably substantially uniform in their diameter (largest transverse dimension).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Physicreations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Blaise Larson
  • Patent number: 6092901
    Abstract: A polarizing illumination device and a projection display device using the polarizing illumination device improve light utilization efficiency. Polarizing conversion elements are placed so that one of polarizing separation films of a first polarizing conversion element and one of polarizing separation films of a second polarizing conversion element are close to each other and so that effective incident areas and ineffective incident areas are alternately arranged in the x direction. The width WP in the x direction of the effective incident areas and the ineffective incident areas is set to be larger than half of the width WL in the x direction of small lenses in a second lens array. The optical axes of each of small lenses are offset from the lens centers thereof so that partial beams emerging from the small lenses in a first lens array optimally enter the effective incident areas where the partial beams should enter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Hashizume, Tomiyoshi Ushiyama, Hisashi Iechika
  • Patent number: 6003995
    Abstract: An off-axis backscreen visual display system with rotating backscreen and projector assembly. The system includes a full color projector for projecting the image beam, and a backscreen which redirects the image beam from the projector onto a collimating mirror. The mirror in turn reflects the beam toward the observer eye point. The backscreen and projector are mechanically integrated together to form an integrated assembly which is mounted for rotation about a pivot point. The collimating mirror is oversized relative to the nominal beam size so as to present mirror surface to the beam redirected by the backscreen through a range of rotation of the integrated assembly. An actuator system rotates the integrated assembly about the pivot point to obtain increase vertical field of view. The backscreen can alternatively be fixed in position, with only the projector assembly rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Dugdale, James A. Turner
  • Patent number: 5944402
    Abstract: A highly collimated light source is directed at a reflective surface such as a diffraction grating, the grating being moveable with time. Light reflected from the grating is projected onto a display surface such as a scone of a lamp or onto a wall or a display plate. The plate may be transparent so that the light display is transmitted through it to a display surface of frosted glass positioned on the other side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Gordon Cameron Brownlee
  • Patent number: 5926867
    Abstract: A device for producing a moving target on the surface of the water in a toilet bowl. The target is an illuminated pattern, words or design visible in all light conditions and emanating form a housing mounted onto the toilet itself or a wall or ceiling above the toilet. The target may change position continuously or discontinuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Craig Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5749640
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a first stepper motor, a mounting frame, a second stepper motor, at least one reflector, and a light source. The first stepper motor has a first rotor and a first output shaft coupled to and driven by the first rotor. The frame is fixed to and rotates together with the first output shaft. The second stepper motor has a second rotor and a second output shaft coupled to and driven by the second rotor. The second stepper motor is mounted on the mounting frame such that the second output shaft is transverse to the first output shaft and is rotatable relative to the mounting frame. The reflector is fixed to and rotates with the second output shaft, and has a light reflecting surface and a plurality of differently colored reflecting facets disposed around an axis of the second output shaft and on the reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: J.A.L. Taiwan Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Yu
  • Patent number: 5636912
    Abstract: A liquid crystal projector for projecting an image on a screen includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying an image, a light source positioned behind the LCD for supplying light to project the image displayed on the LCD, a projection lens positioned in front of the LCD for focusing the light projected from the LCD onto the screen, and deflection means positioned between the LCD and the screen for deflecting the light focused through the projection lens to move the image position on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nam S. Lee, Myung K. Yeo, Sang J. Lee, Joong I. Shin
  • Patent number: 5353074
    Abstract: A computer controlled animation projection system is described. The system permits the projection of animated images onto a three dimensional projection surface, whether or not the surface is originally designed as a projection surface. The system comprises an animation source that can be edited using a processing means, a projection means, and an interface for coupling the animation source to the projection means. In operation of the present invention, a projection surface is selected, and an animation sequence is projected onto the projection surface. Portions of the projection surface upon which no image is to be projected are identified. Using a paint program, the background or projected frame is edited to "black out" those regions of the projected image that are projected onto those identified portions. This is done while the image is still being projected, so that the changes are viewed as they are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Raymond D. Jones, Christopher M. Wagner, George T. Katanics
  • Patent number: 5253000
    Abstract: A device for simulating an image formed of light and shadow created by sunlight over a period of time includes a mask having a substantially opaque portion and a light source for shining light through the mask. The image moves to realistically simulate the effect created by the sun shining into a room through an exterior window. In one embodiment, the device includes a filter bearing a translucent color gradient so that the light defining the created shadow has a changing hue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Ursula Stoeckner
  • Patent number: 5196875
    Abstract: A projection head for a light point on an assembly surface of an assembly table for indicating the outfitting location comprises a carrier part, an approximately punctiform light source, a holder for the point light source, which holder is arranged at the carrier part, as well as imaging optics which are arranged at the carrier part and comprise at least one optical element, which is arranged at the carrier part so as to be movable, for shifting the light point, as desired, on the assembly surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: RoyoCad Gesellschaft fur Hard-und Software mbH
    Inventor: Gerd Stuckler